Suddenly, Edward Wowryk, beloved husband of Helen (Malinak), father to Timothy and Terrence, and grandfather to Rebekah, Patrick, and Myrinda passed away at the age of 85 years at his home in Dugald, Manitoba.
Edward was born in Shoal Lake Manitoba to Roy and Annie Wowryk (Bileski). The youngest boy, and third youngest overall of a family of 21 children. At the age of twelve, his father was tragically killed when a drunk driver claimed his life. In spite of losing his own father at such a young age, he was quite an inspiration to his two sons. Instilling strong family values, a strong work ethic, and a never ending resolve to persevere no matter what the odds. He touched many lives with his selflessness and always put the needs of others ahead of his own.
Times growing up could not have been easy. However, when telling stories, he always spoke fondly of the adventures he had. From the time at around 6 years old when he fell from the hayloft and his brother Frank carried him to the house out cold, to stories of working on local farms and working at building the AECL research station at Pinawa. He eventually made his way to Winnipeg where among other jobs he worked at Kavanaghs which would later become Champs. It was during that time where he became employed with the City of Winnipeg from where he would retire after 38 years of service. While working for the City, he would also work along side his father in law and brother in law on the family farm and eventually along side his sons, teaching and guiding them, and imparting to them his love for the land and agriculture. After his retirement from the City of Winnipeg, he spent some time helping out a local farmer and would work for a few years for Cooks Creek Conservation. Eventually, he would settle for actual retirement and spent time maintaining the property in Dugald and gardening.
Edward, along with his wife, Helen, played a pivotal role in the lives of their grandchildren. First came Myrinda and then some years later Rebekah and Patrick. As he lived for his family and provided for his sons, he also took great pride in his grandchildren and it was a true blessing for everyday he could spend with them.
Edward was predeceased by his parents Roy and Annie, two siblings that passed away as infants, and Walter, Mike, Joe, Bill, Stanley, Harry, Lorne, Elmer, Peter, Teenie, Mary, Rose, Stella, and Phyllis.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 60 years Helen, children, Timothy, Terrence, and grandchildren, Rebekah and Patrick Wowryk, and Myrinda Wowryk, brothers, Nester and Frank, and sisters, Jean Paraschuk and Sophie Zenchyshyn.
The family wishes to thank Springfield EMS, Springfield Police, Oakbank RCMP, and Doctor Kristjan Thompson and his team at St. Boniface Hospital who worked tirelessly in an effort to give us more time with our father. We would also like to thank Rebekah and Patrick’s mom, Vanessa, who was first on the scene to start CPR. A special thanks to Dr. Dennis Caners, for whom Edward had tremendous respect and viewed each appointment as more of a visit with a friend than a doctors appointment.
Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at Green Acres Funeral Home, with interment and reception to follow
In lieu of flowers, Family and friends may make a donation to the Heart and Stroke foundation or a charity of ones choice.
